Renowned African development economist and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, is set to be honoured with the prestigious African Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 African Heritage Awards.

The ceremony, scheduled for April 11 in Ghana, will see the award formally presented by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of Dr Adesina’s decades-long contributions to economic transformation, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development across the African continent.

Organisers of the African Heritage Awards described Dr Adesina as a “visionary leader whose work has significantly advanced Africa’s development agenda and improved the lives of millions.” His tenure at the African Development Bank has been marked by major initiatives in infrastructure, food security, and energy access.

Other distinguished personalities to be honoured at the event include Dame Marcella and Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, both recognised for their contributions in their respective fields.

The African Heritage Awards have, over the years, celebrated some of the continent’s most influential figures. Previous recipients include prominent leaders such as Goodluck Jonathan and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, alongside John Dramani Mahama himself, reflecting the award’s commitment to honouring excellence and leadership across Africa.

This year’s ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, policymakers, and development experts from across the continent, further reinforcing the event’s status as a key platform for celebrating African achievement and inspiring future generations.

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